Service Action 281 - Reprogramming The DME/ECM (12 09 00)

SERVICE ACTION 281 - REPROGRAMMING THE DME/ECM

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

SUBJECT

Reprogramming the DME/ECM - E38 M73TU Vehicles

SITUATION

Certain driving conditions (frequent short trips with a large number of electrical consumers turned on), may not maintain an adequate charge of the vehicle's electrical system battery. These short trips may result in a vehicle no-start situation. The "Customer Notification Letter" is attached.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

This Service Action involves E38 750iL and 750iLP (Protection) vehicles which were produced from August 1998 to February 2000.

To determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Service Action, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

The Chassis Number Ranges listed below are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor.

Model	Chassis Number Range
750iL	DD73007 - DD74064
750iLP	DE35005 - DE35032

CORRECTION

Using CD V22.0 or higher, reprogram the ECM/DME of the affected vehicles. Reprogramming the DME will temporarily increase the engine idle speed, only if the battery voltage is below specification. Once the battery voltage is to specification, the engine speed will be returned to base idle.

Verify that the following program numbers* were installed after programming:

Basic Control Unit #	Programmed Control Unit #
7509322*	7510457*
*Control unit numbers are subject to change with new DIS software.

In order to assure the full effectiveness of this repair, you must perform the following Service Actions on the affected vehicles:

1. SI 12 08 00 - Replacement of Alternator on E38 / M73TU
2. SI 61 09 00 - Replacement of Battery Isolation Switch E38 M73TU
3. SI 61 10 00 - Replacement of Vehicle Battery on E38 M73TU
4. SI 84 06 00 - Retrofitting Adapter Cable for MK II Plus Navigation Computer on E38, E39 E46 Vehicles

LABEL INSTRUCTIONS

This Service Action has been assigned code number 281. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-130) and:

1. emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
2. punch out code number 281 printed on the label and,
3. affix the label to the B pillar as shown in Fig 1 .

If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Reimbursement for this Service Action will be provided through Campaign Entry.

Defect Code: 00 12 42 01 00

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER

September 2000

Dear BMW Owner,

BMW has determined that under certain driving conditions (frequent short trips with a large number of electrical consumers activated and prolonged engine idling), the system battery installed in certain 2000 Model Year BMW 750's automobiles, may not maintain an adequate charge level. As a result of such a condition, a no-start situation may be experienced by the operator of the vehicle. Our records indicate that you are the owner of a potentially affected vehicle.

To protect you from such an occurrence, a special modification to the charging system, and to the vehicle's electrical system has been developed by BMW. The remedy will consist of installing modified generator and a larger capacity system battery with its hardware.

This modification will require approximately one working day to complete, and will be performed free of charge by your Authorized BMW center. Additional time will probably be required, depending on the BMW center's scheduling and processing.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER TO HAVE THE NECESSARY MODIFICATION PERFORMED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

If you are no longer the owner of this vehicle, we would appreciate your furnishing us with the name and address of the new owner, using the enclosed return postage-paid card.

Should you have any questions related to this issue, please contact your Authorized BMW center.

We appreciate your confidence in our product, and we wish to do everything we can to retain your confidence. Should you need additional assistance, you may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.

BMW of North America, Inc.